Can a 6-year-old with T1D have celiac disease?

Question

Hi doctor,

My daughter is 6 years old and has type 1 diabetes. Her blood sugar levels have been stable, and her last HbA1c was 6.4%. About nine months ago, we had her tested for celiac disease, and the results were negative.

However, for the past three to four days, she has been complaining of stomach pain. It seems like she is experiencing some gas or digestive discomfort. I gave her a Scopinal (Hyoscine Butylbromide) tablet last night, and she felt better afterward.

She has been eating dairy and wheat bread daily for the past year. Given her symptoms, do you think we should repeat the celiac test just to be safe?

Please guide.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for reaching out. I can imagine how worried you must feel. Here is what I would like you to know:

T1D and other conditions can be linked

Kids with type 1 diabetes are more likely to develop other autoimmune illnesses like celiac disease.
About 3 to 7% of children with T1D may eventually develop celiac disease.

A negative test does not rule it out forever.

Celiac disease can appear gradually, so even if her test was negative nine months ago, it might show up later.
That is why doctors often repeat testing over the years.

Stomach pain could be something simple

The discomfort she felt may have just been gas, a bit of gastritis, or even related to her blood sugar.
Since she felt better after taking Scopinal, it was likely not serious.

When to repeat the celiac test

If she is feeling fine now, there is no urgent need to retest.
Doctors usually suggest checking every two to three years, even without symptoms.

But if the stomach pain comes back or becomes frequent, it is best to repeat the test, especially one that checks for celiac antibodies.

You are doing the right thing.
It is great that you are paying close attention to her symptoms.
Keep an eye on her for now, and do not hesitate to reach out again if anything changes.

I hope I have answered your queries.

I would be happy to help you further if you have any more questions.

Thank you.